Overview

• The Maharashtra legislature secretariat has launched an internal inquiry into a viral video showing Manikrao Kokate allegedly playing online rummy during a council session.
• Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has summoned Kokate for a face-to-face meeting next week with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis before finalising any disciplinary measures.
• Party insiders indicate Kokate could be stripped of his agriculture portfolio and reassigned to another department to address coalition concerns.
• Opposition MLAs and farmer groups have intensified demands for Kokate’s resignation and are planning further protests to press their case.
• Kokate remains in office while threatening defamation suits against critics and facing scrutiny over a stayed forgery conviction that could lead to disqualification under electoral law.